---
The arena shimmered as Asmodeus and Cain stepped into the center, the air crackling with energy. The environment warped and twisted, transforming into a chaotic battlefield. Jagged rocks jutted from the ground, and pools of molten lava bubbled ominously in scattered pockets. It was a dangerous terrain, designed to test not only strength but also strategy and adaptability.
Cain stretched his arms lazily, a smug grin plastered across his face. "Well, this should be fun. Don't think I'll go easy on you, golden boy."
Asmodeus remained silent, his dull gray eyes fixed on Cain. For a moment, his eyes flickered a faint green, betraying a hint of amusement, but his expression remained calm and unreadable.
Dreamer's voice echoed through the arena, sharp and excited. "Let the match begin!"
---
Cain wasted no time. With a burst of energy, he charged forward, his hands glowing with a faint blue light. He hurled a series of energy blasts at Asmodeus, each one crackling with destructive power.
Asmodeus sidestepped the first blast, ducked under the second, and leapt onto a nearby rock to avoid the third. His movements were fluid, almost effortless, as if he had anticipated every attack.
Cain snarled, his grin replaced by a look of frustration. "Stand still, you coward!"
Without responding, Asmodeus raised a hand and summoned a shard of obsidian from the ground. He hurled it at Cain with precision, forcing his opponent to dive to the side.
---
Cain recovered quickly, his frustration turning to rage. "Alright, no more playing around!"
With a roar, he slammed his fists into the ground, sending a wave of energy through the arena. The earth beneath Asmodeus trembled and cracked, forcing him to leap onto a floating platform to avoid being swallowed by the collapsing ground.
From his elevated position, Asmodeus finally spoke, his tone calm and almost mocking. "Is that really all you've got?"
Cain's face twisted in fury. "You'll regret that!"
He launched himself into the air, closing the distance between them in an instant. The two collided midair, their fists meeting with a resounding crack that echoed across the arena.
---
The clash sent both of them hurtling backward, but Asmodeus landed gracefully on his feet. Cain, on the other hand, stumbled as he hit the ground, glaring daggers at his opponent.
"Damn you!" Cain spat, charging again.
Asmodeus allowed a faint smirk to tug at the corner of his lips. His eyes flickered red for a moment as he whispered a command to his System.
> System Command Activated: Analyze Opponent
A translucent panel appeared briefly before him, displaying Cain's combat patterns and weaknesses. The information flashed across Asmodeus's mind in an instant, and he adjusted his stance accordingly.
Cain lunged, but this time, Asmodeus was ready. He sidestepped the attack with ease, delivering a sharp kick to Cain's ribs. The blow sent Cain sprawling, coughing violently.
---
"You're predictable," Asmodeus said, his voice cold and emotionless.
Cain growled, clutching his side as he staggered to his feet. "Shut up!"
He summoned a massive energy blade, its edge crackling with unstable power. With a furious yell, he swung it at Asmodeus, the blade carving through the air with deadly precision.
Asmodeus dodged the first swing, then the second. On the third, he raised his hand again, issuing another command to his System.
> System Command Activated: Environmental Manipulation
The ground beneath Cain shifted, a spike of rock erupting and knocking the blade from his grasp. Cain stared in shock as his weapon disintegrated upon hitting the ground.
"How—" Cain began, but Asmodeus didn't give him a chance to finish.
---
In one fluid motion, Asmodeus closed the distance between them. He struck Cain with a flurry of precise attacks, each one aimed at a critical point. Cain tried to block, but Asmodeus was too fast, his movements almost mechanical in their efficiency.
Cain fell to his knees, blood dripping from his mouth. He glared up at Asmodeus, his eyes blazing with defiance.
"This isn't over!" Cain spat, summoning the last of his energy for one final attack.
Asmodeus sighed, his eyes flickering gold for a brief moment. "You're persistent. I'll give you that."
He issued one final command to his System.
> System Command Activated: Redirect Energy
Cain's attack was powerful, but as it hurtled toward Asmodeus, the energy split and arced around him, dispersing harmlessly into the environment. Cain's eyes widened in disbelief as his last effort failed.
---
Asmodeus knelt down, meeting Cain's gaze with an intensity that made the boy flinch. "Yield," he said simply.
Cain hesitated, his pride warring with his survival instincts. Finally, he lowered his head. "I yield," he muttered.
The arena's glowing edge dimmed, signaling the end of the match. Dreamer's voice boomed across the room, filled with amusement. "And the winner is… Asmodeus! What a delightful display of skill and strategy!"
Asmodeus stood, brushing imaginary dust off his shoulder as he turned to leave the arena.
---
Back in the stands, the System's panel flashed before him, displaying updated information:
> System Update:
Combat Analysis Completed.
Opponent Data Logged.
Environmental and Energy Manipulation Efficiency Increased by 3%.
Player Potential Reassessed. New Tier: Elite Among the Elite.
Asmodeus closed the panel with a faint smirk, his eyes flickering silver for a brief moment. He took his seat, his expression as calm and unreadable as ever.
But inside, he was already planning for the next trial.
A/N: yes, the system can now do stuff like that, it will probably be explained later on.
---